The Old Course Hole by Hole

Tombstones

Professional's Tip

A tee shot slightly right of the bunkers is best here, in particular to avoid the graveyard on the right which is out of bounds.

This will also give you the best line in. Go left and you risk going in the pot bunkers, from which it is very difficult to get up in two.

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2

Kennells

Professional's Tip

A straight drive is needed here to set you up for your best chance of getting on in two.

When calculating yardage for your second shot, take into account the steep rise up to the green – use one more club because if you are short your ball could roll all the way back down!

Two straight and well-struck shots, two putts for your 4 – be happy and move on.

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3

Stile

Professional's Tip

A long par 3 but it’s all laid out in front of you as you can drive from an elevated tee.

The dips front left and right of the green often catch a drive hit short, so make sure you take enough club to reach the putting surface. Having done that, beware of the out of bounds back left of the green.

Playing to the right hand side of the green is the wisest choice.

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4

Cottage

Professional's Tip

A drive down the middle is needed here by keeping the tee shot between the fairway bunkers. Beware of the out of bounds all the way up the right.

A straightforward hole that requires straight hitting. Remember that there is a slight rise up to the front edge of the green so take enough club to get on.

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5

Marconi

Professional's Tip

Another hole with out of bounds all the way up the right side, which is particularly close to the green.

Aim your drive towards the left bunker and let the prevailing wind move it back towards the middle.

For your second shot remember that there is a second middle fairway bunker behind the first which you may not see, so make sure you hit the ball properly to avoid going into either of those.

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6

Kiln

Professional's Tip

It is better to be centre or right side of the fairway as this gives you a clear view of the green and it will make the second shot a lot easier.

Note that in or right of the ditch running up the right side is out of bounds.

Aim for the middle of the green – if you go left your ball will end up in the dip which will leave you with a devilish chip!

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7

Castle Green

Professional's Tip

You should aim your drive to the left of the middle hump as it will give you a better view of the green.

As the green here is long and thin, your best shot will be to hit your second straight at the middle of the green.

As with most of the holes at Ballybunion, the wind plays and big factor here.

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8

Lartigue

Professional's Tip

The prevailing wind generally makes for a shorter tee shot here.

You want to favour the right half of the green off the tee to keep out of the pot bunkers, but beware of going too far right as the ground slopes sharply away from the green on that side.

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9

Sailors Grave

Professional's Tip

You need a good drive straight down the middle here as traditionally it takes two good hits to reach the putting surface.

For your second check your yardage then make sure you have enough club to get over the slope on the front of the green. You must hit this one straight, otherwise you will be left a difficult chip.

A very good hole to make a 4 on.

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10

Killsaheen

Professional's Tip

Your drive must hold firm on the left side as the plateau fairway falls away to the right.

You have to fly the ball all the way onto the green for your second, so you get your yardage right which will help you to select the right club.

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11

Watsons

Professional's Tip

This is one of the best par four’s you will play anywhere!

With the prevailing wind blowing from the sea, aim your tee shot down the boundary line.

This is another hole where you need to fly your second all the way, so make sure you take enough club to get up.

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12

Citadel

Professional's Tip

This green is elevated so you probably need to take one more club to ensure you get up.

Wind is clearly a factor here when determining which club to take.

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13

Kittys River

Professional's Tip

A spectacular hole from the back of the tee with it all laid out before you.

Beware of Kitty’s River short of the green – for the shorter hitters either lay up and trust your pitching abilities or make sure you take enough club to get over.

The longer hitters can reach the green in two, but you need to get your drive onto the fairway level. The green is slightly elevated so take that into account when choosing your club.

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14

Camels Back

Professional's Tip

Even though the hole is not very long, it is quite difficult to hit.

There are slopes away from the putting surface on both sides here, so my advice is to aim for the middle of the green, regardless of where the pin is.

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15

Black Rocks

Professional's Tip

A beautiful par 3 all in full view from the tee.

The strength of the wind coming in off the sea must be taken into account to ensure you take enough club to reach.

Secondly, this is a two-tier green, so if the pin is on the back level probably one or more club will be needed to get up.

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16

Windy Gap

Professional's Tip

Don’t cut off too much of the corner from the tee, otherwise you will be flirting with the blind bunkers.

Your second shot is almost entirely uphill, so remember this when choosing your club into the green. Middle or left of centre is a good line to aim at on the green to miss the two pot bunkers on the right.

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17

Devils Elbow

Professional's Tip

Here is another hole with a spectacular view from the tee. Favour the right hand side of the fairway off the tee to give yourself a clear sight of the green. Too far left and you will be blocked out by the huge dune.

Once again, take the wind into account when you pick your line into the green, favouring the right side to miss the small pot bunker left.

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18

Sahara

Professional's Tip

Often played with a following wind off the sea, aim you drive on the right side of the fairway bunker. This will give you a shot right down the line of the green.

The green is quite long and your second shot is uphill, so check your yardage to the pin and then take enough club to reach.